The fundamentals, experimental possibilities, and applications of the methods of neutron radiography and tomography in studies of the structural features of large objects in various fields are reviewed. The main principles of neutron imaging are considered. Specialized experimental stations at the National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute” and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research are described, and their main parameters are presented. The experimental capabilities of these neutron facilities, including methodological approaches to variation of the neutron radiographic contrast with neutron energy dispersion, are described. A detailed review of the scientific results obtained on neutron radiography and tomography facilities is presented; these results concern engineering and technological objects, internal structure of meteorites, paleontological samples, and cultural heritage objects.

X-ray microtomography is used to study the internal structure of paleontological objects, but there are disadvantages of the method which greatly limit the effectiveness of the research. Therefore, in this work tomography using thermal neutrons and synchrotron radiation is applied to study the internal structure of paleontological objects. It is shown that neutron tomography makes it possible to distinguish between minerals and rocks, which can not be distinguished using X-rays. Refraction tomography using synchrotron radiation reveals structures indistinguishable by the standard method. An advantage of imaging using synchrotron radiation and thermal neutrons is shown using some examples of paleontological objects. The prospects of the application of neutron and synchrotron methods to paleontology are discussed.

Bronze statues “John the Baptist” and “Dancing Cupid” from the collections of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts have been investigated at the National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute.” These...

A medieval Russian bronze pendant icon with enamel images, dated to the period from the 12th to the first half of the 13th century was studied. The investigation was performed using neutron and synchrotron tomography, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis. The product was found to have no strips dividing enamels of different colors, whereas strip fragments were revealed deep in the enamel layer. The pendant fabrication technology has been reconstructed.

The medieval Russian bronze reliquary cross pendant was investigated using a complex of nondestructive methods in order to determine the degree its integrity and identify the material filling...

This paper analyzes the results of studies carried out at the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, using the methods of neutron and X-ray synchrotron tomography from the point of view of the preservation state of metal objects. Objects damaged by corrosion and exposure to fire were the focus of this study. To identify regions of metal preservation, the diffraction contrast on grains of metal, observed in tomographic projections, was used. The simultaneous use of neutron and synchrotron imaging is shown to be a powerful tool for identification of the constituents of an object.